Yes, I said thyme as in the green herb that we often use to make savory dishes.
Thyme isn’t just a delicious aromatic herb to season with, it makes a great tea during cold and flu season and we’ve found it very helpful in aiding the body during respiratory infections or colds. Thyme also has great astringent properties and boasts anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial activities.
Among us herbal mamas, it is known for its antiseptic properties and is used as a circulatory stimulant when taken hot. It’s also a bronchial antispasmodic and expectorant and has been used for fevers, colds, flu, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, bronchial spasms, and expectoration of upper respiratory congestion. It’s used as a gargle for sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis and to relieve colic, flatulence, and diarrhea.
Over the years I have created many salves and glycerites with its beautiful leaves. We do everything with thyme you can think of. I can’t tell you how many times our entire family has enjoyed a bath with thyme or a nice hot cup of tea. When using thyme I do not recommend you use the essential oil as it is high in volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and cause a reaction in sensitive individuals. Instead, use the dried or fresh herb for your preparations.
As always it is best to use organic, homegrown or wildcrafted thyme. You can purchase store-bought fresh Thyme or the dried leaves. If you use the dried leaves make sure to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, preferably in a glass jar with a tight lid.
To make thyme tea, boil filtered water and pour it over about a 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Let it steep for about 15 minutes, strain off the herbs, and add the juice of one lemon. You can sweeten with raw honey if you prefer. If you want you can also add in dried ginger root or the juice of fresh ginger root.
When a cold is present we crush two pieces of garlic and add to the tea while it is steeping for added antiviral and antibacterial support. Bottoms up. Enjoy your time drinking thyme!
Lastly, breathing in thyme via an herbal steam has helped me on more than one occasion and if done several times a day it can really help clear out congestion. To make an herbal steam you’ll need boiling water, a large bowl, a towel, and about a quarter cup of dried thyme.
To prepare your herbal steam place the dried thyme inside of your big bowl, pour the hot water over the thyme, and place your head above the container while covering your head with the towel. Make sure there are no gaps where the steam can escape. You are essentially creating a teepee over your head with the towel. 🙂
Breathe normally for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat every two to three hours throughout the day.
If you have long hair, make sure you clip it up before doing this.
As always every herb is different and some people may be allergic or sensitive to them, so if you have any questions always check with your health Practitioner or a clinical herbalist.
I hope you enjoyed this article.
Blessings
CFG
The content in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any views or opinions written in this post should not be taken as fact or professional advice.
Hola,
Gracias por este mensaje. This is really great – I am glad that you finally will have a place to put all the great things you have shared with me and many others over the years. You really inspire me, I don’t know how you do it all. Thyme, who would of thought, so we just boil it?
Thanks M for your willingness to arm us with the truth!
I can tell you first hand that I’ve been drinking Thyme tea and I can attest to the benefits. I drink thyme tea 3 times a day including after dinner because I lose my desire to eat sweets and in turn lose those extra pounds!
Thanks!
[…] Take a bath in thyme as it helps when the body is fighting a cold or […]
[…] a previous article a few months ago I wrote about thyme and all of its properties. Now I wanted to focus on some other incredible herbs. As with all […]